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Assistant Account Executive, Corporate & Public Affairs

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Who we are:

Burson is the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation. With highly specialized teams, industry-leading technologies and breakthrough creative, we help brands and businesses redefine reputation as a competitive advantage so they can lead today and into the future. When you work at Burson, you are part of a global community of lifelong learners who thrive at the edge of innovation.

Burson is part of WPP (LSE/NYSE: WPP), the creative transformation company. For more information visit bursonglobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

More about the role:

Our Corporate Affairs Practice is seeking an Assistant Account Executive to support a portfolio of clients across financial services, infrastructure, and technology. This role will provide hands-on experience supporting issues management, corporate reputation, and external communications programs. The ideal candidate is highly organized, deadline-driven, and able to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

This position offers exposure to cross-functional account teams, senior leadership, and high-stakes communications work across multiple industries.

What you'll do:

  • Conduct daily media monitoring across traditional and digital outlets, including Google News searches and occasional social media monitoring.
  • Prepare and distribute daily media monitoring reports on a consistent morning timeline for stakeholder review.
  • Track and flag emerging coverage, trends, and potential issues for account teams.
  • Support media relations efforts by researching reporters, building and maintaining media lists, and assisting with pitch development.
  • Draft and edit written materials including pitch letters, press releases, briefing documents, internal summaries, and newsletters.
  • Provide cross-functional account support across multiple workstreams, including technology, product storytelling, cybersecurity thought leadership, research initiatives, and creative marketing efforts.
  • Support corporate storytelling programs for regulated and infrastructure-focused organizations across multiple regions.
  • Assist with planning and execution of events, including logistics, materials coordination, and on-site support.
  • Participate in internal and client meetings, capturing notes, action items, and next steps.
  • Support reporting, agenda preparation, and general account administration as needed.

Experience that contributes to success:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
  • 0–1 years of internship or entry-level experience in public relations, communications, corporate affairs, public policy, or an agency environment.
  • Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and research skills.
  • Understanding of the current media landscape, including national, regional, trade, and digital outlets.
  • Familiarity with media monitoring tools such as MuckRack, Brandwatch, NewsWhip, or similar platforms.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
  • Professional interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across teams and functions.
  • Interest in corporate reputation, issues management, and complex communications challenges.

#LI-BO2

Burson is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package; click here for more details: https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome.

The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range between:
$52,000$52,000 USD

You belong at Burson:

Our vision is for Burson to be the leading ‘academy company’ for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.

At Burson, we’re an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That’s why it’s imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can’t do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view—your talent—is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it’s how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

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